Keeping up that African country average of at least one per week, we were on to Cape Verde, a nation of ten volcanic islands off the western coast of Africa. (It is in fact the western most point of Africa). The entire landmass makes up about the size of Rhode Island, and the population is just under half a million people. But, in our book it's ranked 173rd in both landmass and population. Twinsies!
But island countries, especially tiny ones, and especially in Africa, can be tricky. There's not a lot to them. Some countries I go on and on, with things I already knew, and things from our books, and the boys have a ton of info to pick and choose for their postcards. And some countries, there's a lot more googling to find some more information, this is one of those.
Nobody even lived in Cape Verde until the 15th century when the Portuguese explored and then colonized the islands. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the islands saw an influx of cash and people, thanks mostly to the slave trade, pirates, and merchants.
But by the 18th century, money had dried up and people were leaving the islands. Eventually it recovered as a stopping point for shipping routes, and in 1975, Cape Verde became it's own country in a peaceful split from Portugal.
Which brings us to the Cape/Cabo part. In some parts of the world, it's known as Cape Verde (like here in America), but a couple of years ago, they asked to be known as 'Cabo Verde' as far as the United Nations are concerned. They're still Cape Verde according to the African Union though, so call them whatever you like.
In a country that is made up of volcanoes, it's appropriate that our landmark is Pico do Fogo, or Mount Fogo, an active stratovolcano! It last errupted in 1675 (not helping the mass emigration), but a subsidiary vent last erupted just over 20 years ago. It's also the highest peak of Cape Verde.
Because of it's history Cape Verde is an interesting mix of Portuguese, African and Creole cultures. Mardi Gras, is in fact, celebrated in style on the islands.
Cape Verde does sound like it wouldn't be a bad vacation destination, it's a hot spot for Loggerhead turtle nests, and there are no mosquitos! NONE! And there's one goat for every two people on the islands. I could share a goat with Asa!
It is also totally safe to visit. In fact, it's one of the most stable, developed countries in Africa. It has the benefit of being an island country, and therefore not having neighbors to worry about, but their representative democracy has been going strong since 1990.
But if you do go, you should know it's illegal to bring their currency, Escudos, in or out of the country.
Cape Verde also has some links to some famous history guys.
Benito Mussolini purchased rights to build an airport on the island of Sal in 1939 (and Winston Churchill once thought of invading the island).
Charles Darwin once studied the plants and animals on the island.
Both Christopher Columbus and Sir Frances Drake both visited the islands as well.
And Charles Lindbergh landed his plane there as he attempted to circumnavigate the globe.
The boys made their postcards.
Calib's featured volcanoes, and a parasailer (even though we talked about wind surfing, not parasailing).
Peyton's postcard had a very island feel to it, complete with 'Verde' in green, since that's how it translates.
And Hayden went with drawing all ten islands. (I voted for his!)
For dinner we had Jagacida (They call it Jag for short) with Sausage, Fried Bananas, Cape Verde Salad, and Coffee Pudding.
Dinner earned three spoons up.
Hayden and Peyton were not fans. Hayden ate his bananas and salad and picked at the main dish and the coffee pudding. Peyton, on the other hand liked the coffee pudding, but wasn't a fan of much else.
The salad was really simple, so I'm not sure what the problem was there. And for some reason the fried bananas were not too popular either (I really liked them!)
The Jag was basically just rice, lima beans, and sausage, it wasn't too complicated- but I thought it was good, the flavors worked.
The coffee pudding would benefit from some whipped cream on top.
We made a couple of dots for Cape Verde on our map (after 5 we thought that was enough and 10 would be overkill).
71 down, 122 to go!
Next Up: Egypt
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